Council is hoping to receive $10 million for the development of the Dubbo Wiradjuri Tourism Centre and the Macquarie Foreshore Cultural Precinct and Trails.

As well as an outdoor events arena, the Macquarie Foreshore project would involve a new pedestrian bridge across the Macquarie River to extend the Tracker Riley Cycle Way from Taronga Western Plains Zoo to the cultural precinct and Old Dubbo Gaol.

The Wiradjuri Tourism Centre will exhibit repatriated sacred Aboriginal carved trees which are currently in storage at the Australian Museum.

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An expression of interest for the Destination Dubbo – International Ready project has been green-lighted from the NSW government. The next step is for council to establish a business case.

Council’s director economic development and business director Natasha Comber said the goal of Destination Dubbo – International Ready was to lift Dubbo’s offering in the international tourism market.

“We know Taronga Western Plains Zoo is the most iconic visitor attraction in Western NSW, but at this stage it only attracts one per cent of international visitors whereas the zoo in Sydney attracts 38 per cent,” Ms Comber said.

“We need to lift the product in our region to increase our share in the international market and this is certainly a step in that direction.”

Ms Comber said the Wiradjuri Tourism Centre and the Macquarie Foreshore Cultural Precinct and Trails would bring up to $19 million annually up to the year 2025. It would encourage people to extend the number of nights they were staying in the region, she said.

The foreshore plan has been in development since 2014 when the concept was designed. As well as being the merging point for Indigenous and heritage trails it would be an area for kayaking, nature trails, fishing and eateries.

The business case has to be submitted to the NSW government by early January.